Voters may face jail for false details: EC tightens scrutiny as roll verification nears end

Voters who provide incorrect information during electoral roll verification may now face legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to one year under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. With the hearing process nearing completion, election authorities have intensified scrutiny, shifting focus to questionable linkages and discrepancies in voter records.

Officials have identified several cases where voters allegedly linked their names with individuals with whom they have no legitimate connection. In the final stage of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), such cases are being examined closely. The Roll Observer has informed both the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and the Commission about these irregularities, raising the possibility of further action beyond mere deletion of names from the voter list.

Special Roll Observer N.K. Mishra arrived in the state on Tuesday night, while Subrata Gupta was already present to oversee proceedings. According to officials, decisions taken at this stage could result in removal of names and potential legal trouble for those found to have submitted false information. The entire verification process is expected to be finalised by February 21.